GLX Wagon

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Review

2001
Volkswagen
Jetta Review

Still a noteworthy recommendation.

Reviewed by Automotive on
2/15/2001

Overview

The compact four-door Volkswagen Jetta is attached to a name that refers to the Atlantic jet-stream. Proudly gracing the worlds highways since 1979, the ultra-popular Jetta, which is Volkswagen’s sedan version of the Golf racked up the kind of loyal following over the years that few automobiles ever enjoy.

At the time of Jetta’s inception, Volkswagen’s popular Golf model was selling like hotcakes in Europe, but not in the U.S. Once the engineers and designers at VW realized that American drivers preferred the sedan body style and more interior space, they quickly remedied the problem by merely adding a back end onto the Golf. The official Jetta featured an exterior design fashioned by renowned Italian designer Giorgetto Guigiaro and displayed a boxy-shaped body with a square-edged grille with sharply creased lines along the hood and rear deck. It also offered more trunk space than the Golf and an upgraded interior.

The Volkswagen Jetta spread out over six consecutive generations and is known by many different names: Atlantic, Fox, Vento, and Bora. As a measurable testament to its massive success, as of 2011, an estimated 10 million Volkswagen Jetta’s have been produced and sold around the world with nearly one-third of that number in the U.S. alone.

What's New

The 2001 Volkswagen Jetta introduces a wagon that providing 52 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, adding to the vehicle's functionality and versatility. All models get a trunk release button and redesigned cup holders, and the Wolfsburg edition returns with its share of standard features: 16-inch BBS wheels, sport seats, and sport suspension. Optional 17-inch alloy wheels and steering-wheel controls for stereo and cruise control functions are available for the GLS and GLX.

Exterior

The 2001 Volkswagen Jetta received a thorough revamp for 2000. Stylish and sculpted, it carries on with its more angular four-door design, especially apparent around the neatly cut rectangular headlight cluster. This makes it the virtual stand-out among its VW counterparts like the Passat, Golf, and Cabriolet.

Interior

The 2001 Volkswagen Jetta takes the leap forward in terms of interior quality. Top-notch materials are used, dashboard controls/functions are easily reached and attractively backlit by a soft blue illumination with brilliant red edging to maximize night vision. Plenty of on-board amenities can be mixed and matched to suit the buyer’s needs across all trims. For example, a Monsoon sound system is standard on the GLX, which features a 200-watt amplifier and custom equalization that direct low, mid, and high frequencies to the appropriate speakers. Cargo capacity is listed at 13 cubic feet with a deep trunk space and split rear seatbacks that fold down for additional space.

Performance & Handling

The 2001 Volkswagen Jetta offer several engine choices: a 1.8-liter, turbocharged, direct injection diesel delivers 150 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque in the GL and GLS sedans; a 1.9-liter, four-cylinder diesel are good for 90 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque in the GL TDI and GLS TDI; the GL and GLS come with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 115 hp and makes 122 lb-ft of torque at 2600 rpm for an adequate acceleration rate; and a sturdy V-6 that's an option on the GLS and standard on top-of-the-line GLX generates 174 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. Structurally rigid, it's always fun to drive: crisp, solid, and confident on the road.

Safety

In terms of safety, The 2001 Volkswagen Jetta gives a mentionable improvement to the standard Side Guard airbag system, which discharges curtains to cover the window area and A-pillar in a side-impact. Other features include four-wheel anti-lock brakes, child seat anchors, anti-theft alarm system, and front/rear headrests.